Book looks at the fashion of Michelle Obama

"Everyday Icon, Michelle Obama and the Power of Style," is a new book by fashion journalist Kate Betts.

For some people, it's an open secret: First lady Michelle Obama turns to Chicago boutique owner Ikram Goldman as her "fashion guru."

So says fashion journalist Kate Betts, who got the same response from the Rush Street retailer as any other scribe who's asked: "No comment."

Betts then turned to designers, clients and others who know Goldman in writing "Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style."

"Ikram knows the designers, she knows what she likes and she knows exactly what works for Michelle," Betts writes, crediting Goldman with asking various designers to come up with the first lady's inaugural daytime ensemble and evening gown.

Jason Wu's white silk chiffon gown, laden with Swarovski crystals, was selected for the inaugural balls, and Isabel Toledo's lemongrass-colored coat and dress were chosen for the swearing-in.

With 200 color photos, the book, published by Clarkson Potter goes on sale Feb. 8. Betts, a contributing editor to Time, notes that Obama favors bold floral prints, big, colorful brooches and 1- or 2-inch heels, preferably by Jimmy Choo.

She'll choose a fashion-forward new designer one day and wear J. Crew, H&M and Target the next. She takes risks. And though she'll wear black and white, she's a fan of complex colors: periwinkle, purple-infused reds, greenish yellows and turquoise.

Being an icon means bouquets and brickbats, to hear Betts tell it. Talking about the fiery red-and-black dress that Obama wore in Grant Park on election night, the author says one blogger dismissed the look in two words: "lava lamp."